John Mokwetsi
9 March 2008
FEW Zimbabwean writers have emerged to claim a stake in the literature world after their short stories were selected among 25 others from the rest of Africa.
Their works have been published in an anthology, Dreams, Miracles and Jazz to be launched in London during the Word From Africa event on 31 May.
The writers include award-winning journalist Wonder Guchu, Midlands State University media lecturer Nhamo Mhiripiri, his wife Tsitsi Mutiti and former Sunday Mirror editor Ruzvidzo Mupfudza.
Guchu said the inclusion of his story in an anthology featuring other great names from Africa was a positive indication that Zimbabwe was on the literature map.
"For Zimbabwe, this is a great stride because most of the writers included are new and have not been considered by local publishers as worth much.
"Right now, I feel it can be done. I am working on my novel titled Children My Home."
Guchu said it was the sentiment among all Zimbabwean authors in this project that, with proper guidance for the budding authors, the country could claim a top position on the literature pinnacle.
Published by Picador, the anthology features four previous Caine Prize winners: Binyavanga Wainaina, Brian Chikwava, Segun Afolabi and the most recent winner, Monica Arac de Nyeko.
Two of the writers, Jackee Batanda and Sefi Atta, have been shortlisted for the same prize.
The project, co-ordinated by Helon Habila and Kadija George from Sierra Leone, began in 2004 and was meant to identify African writers who could be recognised as (African) writers of note in the future.
"More than anything else, we wanted writers who were willing to take risks and break boundaries in terms of style, content or language as they tell you what 'African' literature is," Kadija says in an introduction.
Sixteen of the writers currently live in Africa, throughout the English-speaking countries of West, East and southern Africa, with the rest living in Europe, the USA, the UK, Australia and Asia.
The stories cover an array of themes and emotions that convey "African sensibilities" and maintain a universality in scope and humour, sadness, tragedy and joy.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 Zimbabwe Standard. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
